stop being frustrated and confused
"Now thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways! You have sown much, but have brought in little." —Haggai 1:5-6
Like Herod, many people are "perplexed" (Lk 9:7) regarding some of the events in their lives. They rightly sense that their confusion would be cleared up if they met Jesus (see Lk 9:9). However, like Herod, when they do encounter Christ, they often retreat into selfishness and refuse to meet Christ on His terms.
Many people are frustrated. They "have sown much, but have brought in little" and "have eaten, but have not been satisfied" (Hg 1:6). "He who earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it" (Hg 1:6). Deep down, these people know that their priorities are wrong. They are building their own houses rather than God's kingdom (see Hg 1:4). They can repent and be freed from frustration, or they can suppress the voice of their conscience and remain frustrated.
We don't have to be confused, frustrated, depressed, stressed, or unhappy. Peace, happiness, and fulfillment are as accessible to us as the decision to obey Jesus. In Him we have peace (Jn 16:33). We can rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4). We "have strength for everything" through Jesus (Phil 4:13). Receive the abundant life (Jn 10:10) by accepting Jesus as Lord of your life.
Prayer: Father, I repent of sinning and making my life empty.
Promise: "Consider your ways! Go up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house that I may take pleasure in it and receive My glory, says the Lord." —Hg 1:7-8
Praise: Thomas overcame his addiction by turning again and again to his Savior.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Jesus and Peace on audio AV 42-1 or video V-42.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, February 27, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2003